KALAMAZOO, MI – Ronald Zamort’s jersey looked faded as if it had been in a fight with a bottle of bleach, but his game looked sharp and bright during Western Michigan University’s first spring football practice on Tuesday.

Other potential candidates for the starting cornerback position in the Broncos’ 4-3 defense include junior Garrett Smith and sophomore Leo Alba.

WMU coach P.J. Fleck said he didn’t consider anyone a frontrunner after the first day of spring practice but the first-year coach was quick to praise Zamort’s energy.

“I wouldn’t call anybody a frontrunner at that position right now,” Fleck said. “I think when you kind of look at that you look at Garrett Smith, you look at Ronald Zamort, you look at those guys competing for that spot.

“Ronald is a very explosive player. My job is to direct Ronald’s energy all in to playing that position. That’s his main focus for the rest of his career there, to direct all of your energy into playing that corner position. He will. He’ll do a tremendous job. Garrett’s really been impressive in the winter and I can go on and on about the guys busting their butt. I know the guy that wins that spot will deserve it.”

Zamort played in 11 games during the 2012 season. The Delray Beach, Fla. native recorded 10 tackles and one interception.

WMU junior Donald Celiscar, who has been a mainstay at the corner position opposite of Toler, said he’s confident the new starter will get the job done.

“Lewis is a good DB,” Celiscar said after Tuesday’s practice. “We have guys out here working as hard as he did. Ronald Zamort, Leo Alba, Garrett Smith – those guys are all working extra hard. They’re getting extra work done after practice. I feel like (Lewis) can be replaced and we’re going to have a great DB group this year.”